About the song
“Angel of the Morning,” a poignant ballad penned by Chip Taylor, has woven its way into the fabric of popular music through its heartfelt lyrics and evocative melodies. Originally recorded by Evie Sands, the song first gained chart success with Merrilee Rush’s rendition in 1968, capturing the essence of Taylor’s vision for capturing passion akin to the Rolling Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday.”
Chip Taylor crafted “Angel of the Morning” in 1967, drawing inspiration from a desire to evoke deep emotional resonance. Initially offered to Connie Francis, who declined due to concerns over the song’s risqué undertones, Taylor proceeded to produce an early version with Evie Sands. Despite its artistic merit, financial constraints at Cameo-Parkway Records limited its release, paving the way for subsequent recordings.
The breakthrough came when Merrilee Rush, backed by the famed American Sound Studios band in Memphis, recorded the definitive version in January 1968. Produced by Chips Moman and Tommy Cogbill, Rush’s rendition soared to the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 7, and clinched number 1 spots in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It earned Rush a Grammy nomination, solidifying her place in music history and ensuring the song’s enduring popularity.
In 1981, Juice Newton reimagined “Angel of the Morning” for her album “Juice,” at the suggestion of Capitol Records’ Steve Meyer. Newton’s interpretation, despite her initial unfamiliarity with the song, became the highest-charting version in the United States, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating the adult contemporary charts for three weeks. Newton’s rendition not only garnered commercial success but also earned her a Grammy nomination, echoing Rush’s earlier accolades and showcasing the song’s timeless appeal across different musical genres.
Juice Newton’s rendition of “Angel of the Morning” further made history as the first country music video aired on MTV, debuting on the network’s launch day in 1981. Its crossover success extended globally, achieving high chart positions in Canada, Australia, South Africa, Switzerland, and New Zealand, among others.
Through the years, “Angel of the Morning” has been covered by numerous artists including Chrissie Hynde, Dusty Springfield, and Olivia Newton-John, each interpretation imbuing the song with a unique emotional resonance. Its legacy continues to thrive, resonating with audiences worldwide as a testament to Chip Taylor’s timeless songwriting and the enduring power of emotive storytelling in music.
Video
Lyrics
There’ll be no strings to bind your hands
Not if my love can’t bind your heart
There’s no need to take a stand
For it was I who chose to start
I see no need to take me home
I’m old enough to face the dawn
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Then slowly turn away from me
Maybe the sun’s light will be dim
And it won’t matter anyhow
If morning’s echo says we’ve sinned
Well, it was what I wanted now
And if we’re victims of the night
I won’t be blinded by the light
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Then slowly turn away
I won’t beg you to stay with me
Through the tears
Of the day
Of the years
Baby
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, darling
Just call me angel of the morning, angel
Just touch my cheek before you leave me, darling